Jewish Tradition Sparks Student Outreach

Dinner at the home of Noah Lomax, Director of Student Activities, turned out to be more than a “hang out” time for six members of the student body government (above) who were there March 6.

Lomax’s Jewish heritage led him to introduce the students to Purim, a Jewish holiday in March that celebrates God’s deliverance of the Jews from Hamaan as recorded in the book of Esther. Lomax made the traditional Purim meal, including hamantaschen, a pastry special to Purim, for the students. He also introduced the group to another Purim tradition: bringing food to those in need.

After the group finished eating, Lomax revealed that he had purchased double of all the ingredients for the meal. At his suggestion, the students decided not to spend the evening “hanging out.” Instead, they decided to put the Purim tradition of bringing food to those in need into action by making a meal for the Spencer family. The Spencer children have recently been without their father, Dennis, due to job circumstances.

Sophomore accounting (CPA) major Kyle Kutz said his first reaction was, “How long is this going to take?” “Thankfully,” he said, “I didn’t keep that attitude, and ended up embracing the thought of being a blessing to a family in need. It ended up being a lot of fun.”

Lomax (left) helped the students prepare the meal, and, later, took it over to the Spencers.

“It was exciting … to see students, who don’t have a lot to give, sacrifice their evening to do something for others,” Lomax said.

Michelle Spencer said she was surprised to see the ministry her family endeavors to have with Maranatha students come back to bless them. Spencer said she was reminded of Matthew 25:40: “…Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

“The kids don’t really grasp how much this verse means,” Spencer said. “Whenever you do good for anybody, it is as if you are doing good to Jesus himself.”